RHYTHM TRIBE MAY BLAZE TRAIL FOR OTHER HISPANICS

Bruce Britt, Los Angeles Daily NewsCHICAGO TRIBUNE

For years, some music industry insiders have predicted that Hispanic-oriented pop will be the wave of the future. The market`s profit potential has been demonstrated by such successful acts as Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine, Expose, Linear and Sweet Sensation.

Although Los Angeles boasts a large Hispanic population, the city has produced few big Hispanic pop acts. But that may change soon if Rhythm Tribe, a four-piece band, follows through on its tremendous promise.

Rhythm Tribe was formerly known as Chain Reaction, a Latin funk band featured on the ''Salsa'' soundtrack. The band underwent name and musical changes late last year. The move has resulted in a surprising amount of support and encouragement from companies such as Columbia Pictures and MTV, as well as noted management and publicity firms.

But what really separates Rhythm Tribe from a host of other up-and-coming acts is that the band has amassed its support without benefit of a major-label recording contract. The band`s single ''Gotta See Your Eyes'' was produced by its own company, Modern Sol Records, and is not available in stores yet.

Rhythm Tribe mixes guaracha, a music indigenous to the Jibaro Indians of Puerto Rico, with American funk. Singer-songwriter Thomas Guzman-Sanchez came up with the musical concept last year, just weeks before his father, guitarist Raphael Guzman-Sanchez, died.

''There`s a certain pride that comes with playing this type of music,''

Guzman-Sanchez said. ''For a long time, I tried to hide from my heritage.''

Guaracha was my dad`s music, so I didn`t want too much to do with it,''

Guzman-Sanchez said. ''Now I feel it`s up to me to keep the flame alive.''

Rhythm Tribe, which also includes bassist Paul Guzman-Sanchez, keyboardist Marla Rebert and drummer Stephen Mead, got its first big break after Thomas Guzman-Sanchez began investigating the possibilities of producing an independent video.

The singer was surprised when he received the support of James L. Honore, Columbia Pictures` vice president of post-production.

''Their music is like a combination of salsa, lambada and the entire Latin sound,'' Honore said. ''I felt they just needed a little nudge, so I tried to help with whatever resources I could provide.''

Barbara Corcoran, executive producer of MTV`s Spanish language

''Internacional'' show, was impressed with the video but is wary of putting it into rotation.

''We have found if we play video by a band without good (record)

distribution, it usually comes back to bite us,'' Corcoran said. ''Viewers call us and ask where they can buy the record, and it is always best if you can direct them. That`s the reason we`re holding back.''